Listowel Harvest Racing Festival 2022
Whatever your sartorial style. . . . there was something for everyone at the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival.
No matter if you are ‘forever in blue jeans’, consider yourself a ‘sharp dressed man’, love a retro vintage look or want to dress up to the nines . . . there were plenty of ‘winner alright’ at this years racing week.
As ever, Upfront is delighted to be part of organising the action packed style schedule of the racing festivities for yet another year. So if you missed out on the festivities - never worry.
Relive some of the best style moments (& celebrate some of the fantastic prizes!) in our full Listowel Races Recap below…
A Look Back at Launch Day
All was revealed at the official launch of the 2022 McElligotts Kia Best Dressed Lady in the majestic surroundings of the National Stud & Gardens, Kildare. Attending the launch were this year’s judges - Bairbre Power, fashion writer; Aoife McNamara, Irish fashion designer; Donal Lynch, McElligotts Tralee and Ronan Flood, Kia Ireland; along with household names from the world of racing - retired equine super stars Faugheen, Hurricane Fly and Beef or Salmon from the National Stud’s ‘Living Legend's’ team.
Ronan Flood, KIA Ireland, beside the KIA EV6 Electric car, David Wardell, Tourism Development Manager, Irish National Stud, holding 'former champion hurdler 'Hurricane Fly', Donal Lynch, McElligotts Tralee holding former champion chaser 'Beef or Salmon', and ladies day judges Fashion Designer Aoife McNamara / Aoife Ireland and Bairbre Power, fashion writer pictured at a photoshoot in The National Stud Kildare for the launch of the McElligotts Tralee and Kia Ireland, Best Dressed Lady at the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival.
What are the prizes for the winner of Ladies Day in Listowel?
A Trip for Two to New York City!
Thanks to sponsors McElligotts Tralee and Kia Ireland - the winner of the Best Dressed Lady at the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival will be jetting off to the Big Apple and staying in the fabulous Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan!
This is the 8th year of McElligotts sponsorship of this prestigious fashion event and they are delighted to welcome on board Kia as official event co-sponsors. In addition to the winners prize of a Trip for Two to New York with spending money, there are also generous cash prizes of €1,000 for the Most Creative Headpiece and €500 for the Most Contemporary Outfit.
Declan O’Hara, MD, McElligotts Tralee
“We are delighted to be the official sponsor of Ladies Day again this year, with the introduction of so many stunning new KIA models there was never a more opportune time to showcase our range to the many discerning guests that know more than a thing or two about style and fashion. We are looking forward to a great day of racing and fashion in Listowel.”
Ronan Flood, MD, Kia Ireland
"McElligotts Tralee have a long association with Ladies Day in Listowel and Kia Ireland are delighted to join them in supporting this special day in the Kerry social calendar. The event also gives us an opportunity to showcase our range of electrified cars and in particular Irish Car of the Year 2022 - the Kia EV6.“
Naoimh Whelton and Timmy Dowd at launch of Listowel Harvest Racing Festival. Photo Credit: Don MacMonagle.
What was the style schedule for Listowel Harvest Racing Festival this year?
Celebrated as one of the longest established race meetings in Ireland - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are all National Hunt meetings and Tuesday & Thursday feature an all Flat race card.
There was something for everyone of all ages including six fashion competitions with dedicated days for Ladies, Men, Couples, Sustainable/Vintage, Blue Jeans and Fancy Dress; exceptional free children’s entertainment on the Sunday; live music and some very special celebrity guests.
Day One: Best Dressed Couple Competition
Jacy Ybanez (Tralee) and Brian O’Connor (Abbeyfeale) who brilliantly co ordinated their monochrome dotty style to win the Lyrath Estate Hotel Best Dressed Couple 2022
Huge crowds enjoyed the warm September sunshine and soaked up the incredible atmosphere at the opening day of the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival (18th to 24th September).
It was also the premier of the much anticipated Lyrath Estate Hotel Best Dressed Couple Competition … and glamorous couples from all over Ireland dressed to impress to catch the eye of fashion judge, top radio and TV personality, Elaine Kinsella.
After much deliberation, it was fashion forward couple Jacy Ybanez (Tralee) and Brian O’Connor (Abbeyfeale) who had brilliantly co ordinated their monochrome dotty style to secure first place - winning the title Lyrath Estate Hotel Best Dressed Couple 2022 and a two night luxury escape to Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny, with dinner on one evening and an Afternoon Tea!
The first two runners up, super stylish Raymond and Gillian Gilbourne and Eithne O’Riordan and Barry O’Halloran (who honeymooned 30 years ago at Listowel Races and were here celebrating their anniversary) won an overnight stay for two in a Deluxe Room at Lyrath Estate.
Next up, 3rd runner up Sean and Kristy Keating won two tickets each to the 3 day Listowel June Bank Holiday 2023 festival.
The presentations in the parade ring were made by Evan McAuliffe on behalf of Lyrath Estate Hotel.
It was also family day and Mickey and Minnie Mouse were greeted with rapturous delight by hundreds of excited children of all ages. There was also Giggles Entertainment free disco, face painting and balloons and the free Wooly Farm with chicks, guinea pigs, hens, ducks, rabbits, lambs, piglets and pygmy goats, plus Roo the Llama!
The opening day’s card was sponsored by Kerry Group with feature race the Kerry Group Steeplechase €40,000.
Day Two: Forever in Blue Jeans
Winners of the "Forever in Blue Jeans' fashion event, sponsored by O'Connors Hardware & Farm Supplies at Listowel Races on Monday 19th of September, were Mary Woulfe and Dominick Moloney. Pix: John Kelliher.
Monday was the premier of ‘Forever in Blue Jeans’ fashion competition sponsored by O'Connor's Hardware & Farm Supplies, which celebrated one of the most iconic wardrobe essentials - Denim Blue Jeans ! Everyone of all ages got into the spirit of the occasion and wore their favourite denim jeans, dresses, shirts and skirts!
Mc’ed by Billy Keane each of the 12 finalists told the story behind their individual look. After much deliberation, the judges decided that Mary Woulfe in a ruffled denim dress with co-ordinated hat and accessories and the very dapper Dominick Moloney were the overall winners and each received a €200 cash prize from sponsors Larry, Tina and Sadie O’Connor from O'Connor's Hardware & Farm Supplies.
Day Five: Best Dressed Man Competiton
James Brosnan from Ballybunion wins the Ryle Menswear Best Dressed Man at Listowel Races
James Brosnan from Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, won the prestigious Ryle Menswear Best Dressed Man at Listowel Races today (Thursday 22nd of September). Resplendent in a forest green tweed suit with fetching yellow tie and Chelsea boots, he won a customised, bespoke suit from Ryle Menswear valued at €1,000.
First runner up was Ted Kelly from Youghal, Co. Cork in a very fashion forward 3 piece suit with dicky bow. Ted was at the races with his son Paddy - who was equally dapper. He who won a pair of bespoke shoes from Ryle Menswear Tralee.
Second runner up was Patrick Courtney from Killarney who looked dashing in a three piece grey suit with matching coat and he confessed he had some help putting his look together from his sister - who is a celebrity stylist in London. He won a bespoke shirt from Ryle Menswear Tralee.
Judged by the always very stylish Nathan McDonnell, thousands of sharp dressed men, proved they could give the ladies a run for their money in the style stakes!
Day 6: Ladies Day at Listowel Races
Declan O’Hara, MD, McElligotts Tralee, Gemma McDonagh (winner) and Patrick McElligott, McElligotts Tralee. . Photo MacMonagle.
Galway Girl, Gemma McDonagh, wowed judges Bairbre Power and Aoife McNamara, to win the prestigious McElligotts Kia Best Dressed Lady at Listowel Races this afternoon. Gemma wore a beautiful lush green trouser suit which she rented from ‘Dress me up’ rentals and accessorised her look with a custom headpiece from Grainne Maher Design.
She won a trip for two to New York, staying in the iconic Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan with €1,000 spending money, a luxury hamper from McGuires Pharmacy in Listowel and dinner for two with celebrity designer Don O’Neill and his husband Pascal when she is the Big Apple.
The winner of the McElligotts Kia Most Creative Headpiece was Breda Butler, from Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Resplendent in canary yellow - she purchased her headpiece from milliner Cathriona King and dress from Kimona in NewCastlewest, and won €1,000 and a beautiful hamper from McGuires Pharmacy in Listowel.
The McElligotts Kia Most Contemporary Outfit was won by local lady Norella Mary Molyneaux. She wore a vibrant purple suit with matching gold headpiece from Bailey & Co. Boutique in Listowel. She won €500 and a wonderful hamper from McGuires Pharmacy in Listowel.
The judges selected 10 finalists from thousands of beautifully dressed women who turned Listowel racecourse in the fashion capital of Europe for the afternoon. Each finalist received a gift bag from McGuires Pharmacy in Listowel and the organisers with thanks to Tanqueray Gin for the sponsorship of the drinks reception in the fashion marquee.
Day 7: Sustainable Style Competition
Sean O’Donoghue, Sydney Sargent and Andrea Thornton. Pix John Kelliher.
Andrea Thornton and Sean O’Donoghue were the overall winners of the Sustainable Style fashion competition organised by Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce on the final day of the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival on Saturday 24th of September. Each received €300 in cash sponsored by Listowel Race Company and Mc Carthy Brokers Listowel.
Andrea got her headpiece from ‘Second time around’ in Listowel; her cameo brooch was a “something blue’ gift from a friend for her wedding and her magnificent mint lace and tulle prom 1950’s dress was from Georges Arcade in Dublin. She got her beautiful gloves when she attended the Jane Austen Festival in Bath. Sean’s very dapper blue and black suit was vintage and he has worn it many times over the years.
Judged by international model Sydney Sargent and Elaine Doyle from An Taisce, the judges were overwhelmed with the exceptional standard of outfits on all ages on the racecourse. Sustainability is the big conversation in fashion right now and this was evident from the wonderful and heartfelt stories behind the outfits. Most were heirlooms or coveted vintage purchases and many of the finalists had also up styled items in their existing wardrobes to give them a new and fresher look.
First runner up in the women’s category was Amy Griffin from Limerick who wore her own vintage brand “and Again” and first runner up in the mens was David Silles. Each received a bumper hamper kindly sponsored and presented by Oonagh of Brodericks Pharmacy.
Listowel Races were the first course to host a sustainable fashion competition and thanks to organisers Listowel Tidy Towns and An Taisce, this competition which promotes and celebrates up-styling, recycling and vintage / pre loved style has continued to grow in popularity as we all seek to reduce waste to protect the future of our planet.
Huge thanks to Imelda Murphy, Mary Hanlon and their incredible teams for making this sustainable fashion event so popular and BIG thanks to our own team Helena Halpin and Ray Stack.
Another wonderful season comes to a close at Listowel Races!
Upfront is proud to be involved in managing the PR and in the organising of such an action packed style schedule at one of Ireland’s most prestigious festivals, which just seems to get bigger and better every year.
A big shout out to all our UMM team - we hope to see you all on the racecourse next year.
For more visit www.listowelrace.ie and follow @listowelraces